Sildenafil-SZ, 50 mg 20 pcs

Sildenafil is a potent selective inhibitor of cGMP-specific FDE-5.

The mechanism of action

The realization of the physiological mechanism of erection is associated with the release of nitric oxide (NO) in the corpora cavernosa during sexual stimulation. This in turn leads to an increase in cGMP levels, a subsequent relaxation of the smooth muscle tissue of the corpora cavernosa and an increase in blood flow.

Sildenafil does not have a direct relaxing effect on the isolated human cavernous body, but it enhances the effect of nitric oxide (NO) by inhibiting FDE-5, which is responsible for the breakdown of cGMP.

Sildenafil is selective against FDE-5 in vitro, its activity against FDE-5 exceeds activity against other known FDE isoenzymes: FDE-6 – 10 times; FDE-1 – more than 80 times; FDE-2, FDE-4, FDE-7 – FDE-11 – more than 700 times. Sildenafil is 4,000 times more selective against FDE-5 compared to FDE-3, which is very important because FDE-3 is one of the key enzymes regulating myocardial contractility.

A prerequisite for the effectiveness of sildenafil is sexual stimulation.

Clinical data

Cardiology studies. Use of sildenafil in doses up to 100 mg did not result in clinically significant ECG changes in healthy volunteers. The maximum decrease in resting BP after sildenafil administration at a dose of 100 mg was 8.3 mmHg, and in resting BP, 5.3 mmHg. A more pronounced, but also transient effect on BP was observed in patients taking nitrates (see “Contraindications”, “Interactions”).

In a study of the hemodynamic effects of sildenafil in a single dose of 100 mg in 14 patients with severe CHD (more than 70% of patients had stenosis of at least one coronary artery), resting BP and MAP decreased by 7 and 6%, respectively, and pulmonary BP decreased by 9%. Sildenafil did not affect cardiac output or impair blood flow in stenosed coronary arteries, and also resulted in an increase (by approximately 13%) in adenosine-induced coronary flow in both stenosed and intact coronary arteries.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 144 patients with erectile dysfunction and stable angina taking antianginal drugs (except nitrates) exercised until the severity of angina symptoms decreased. Exercise duration was significantly longer (19.9 s; 0.9-38.9 s) in patients taking sildenafil in a single dose of 100 mg compared with patients receiving placebo.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the effect of a variable dose of sildenafil (up to 100 mg) in men (n=568) with erectile dysfunction and arterial hypertension who were taking more than two antihypertensive drugs. Sildenafil improved erections in 71% of men compared with 18% in the placebo group. The incidence of adverse effects was comparable to that in other patient groups, as well as in those taking more than three antihypertensive drugs.

Studies on visual impairment. Mild and transient impairment in the ability to distinguish shades of color (blue/green) was detected in some patients 1 h after taking sildenafil at a dose of 100 mg using the Farnsworth-Mansell 100 test. These changes were absent 2 h after drug administration. The color vision impairment is thought to be caused by inhibition of FDE-6, which is involved in the transmission of light in the retina. Sildenafil had no effect on visual acuity, contrast perception, electroretinogram, IOP, or pupil diameter.

In a placebo-controlled, cross-over study of patients with proven early-onset macular degeneration (n=9), sildenafil at a single dose of 100 mg was well tolerated. No clinically significant changes in vision as assessed by specific visual tests (visual acuity, Amsler grid, color perception, color passage simulation, Humphrey perimeter, and photostress) were identified.

The efficacy and safety of sildenafil were evaluated in 21 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials lasting up to 6 months in 3000 patients, aged 19 to 87 years, with erectile dysfunction of various etiologies (organic, psychogenic, or mixed). Efficacy of the drug was evaluated globally using an erection diary, the International Erectile Function Index (a validated sexual function questionnaire), and a partner survey.

The efficacy of sildenafil, defined as the ability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory intercourse, has been demonstrated in all studies conducted and confirmed in long-term studies lasting 1 year. In fixed-dose studies, the proportion of patients who reported that therapy improved their erections was 62% (sildenafil dose – 25 mg), 74% (sildenafil dose – 50 mg) and 82% (sildenafil dose – 100 mg) versus 25% in the placebo group). Analysis of the International Index of Erectile Function showed that in addition to improved erections, sildenafil treatment also improved the quality of orgasm, allowed to achieve satisfaction of sexual intercourse and overall satisfaction.

The data summarized showed that among the patients who reported improved erections with sildenafil treatment, 59% had diabetes, 43% had radical prostatectomy, and 83% had spinal cord injury (versus 16%, 15%, and 12% in the placebo group, respectively).

Pharmacokinetics:

The pharmacokinetics of sildenafil in the recommended dose range is linear.

Intake

After oral administration, sildenafil is rapidly absorbed. Absolute bioavailability averages about 40% (25% to 63%). In-vitro sildenafil at a concentration of about 1.7 ng/ml (3.5 nM) inhibits human FDE5 activity by 50%. After a single sildenafil dose of 100 mg, the average maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of free sildenafil in men is about 18 ng/ml (38 nM). Cmax when sildenafil is taken orally on an empty stomach is reached on average within 60 min (from 30 min to 120 min). When taken in combination with fatty food absorption rate is reduced: Cmax is reduced by 29 % on average, and time to maximum concentration (Tmax) is increased by 60 min, but absorption degree does not change significantly (area under the pharmacokinetic curve concentration-time (AUC) is reduced by 11 %).
Distribution
Sildenafil distribution volume in equilibrium is on average 105 l. Binding of sildenafil and its main circulating N-demethyl metabolite with blood plasma proteins is about 96 % and does not depend on total drug concentration. Less than 0.0002% of the sildenafil dose (188 ng on average) is detected in semen 90 min after taking the drug.

Metabolism

Sildenafil is metabolized primarily in the liver by the cytochrome CYPCA4 isoenzyme (major pathway) and cytochrome CYP2C9 isoenzyme (minor pathway). The main circulating active metabolite formed as a result of N-demethylation of sildenafil undergoes further metabolism. Selectivity of this metabolite against FDE is comparable with that of sildenafil, and its activity against FDE5invitro is about 50% of sildenafil activity.

The plasma concentration of the metabolite in healthy volunteers was about 40% of that of sildenafil. The N-demethyl metabolite is further metabolized; its half-life (T1/2) is about 4 hours.

The total clearance of sildenafil is 41 l/hour and the final T1/2 is 3-5 hours. After oral administration as well as after intravenous administration sildenafil is excreted as metabolites mainly by the intestine (about 80% of the oral dose) and, to a lesser extent, by the kidneys (about 13% of the oral dose).

Pharmacokinetics in special patient groups

Elderly patients

Healthy elderly patients (over 65 years of age) have reduced sildenafil clearance and plasma free sildenafil concentrations are about 40% higher than those of younger patients (18-45 years of age). Age has no clinically significant effect on the incidence of side effects.

Renal impairment

In mild (creatinine clearance (CK) 50-80 ml/min) and moderate (CK 30-49 ml/min) renal impairment, the pharmacokinetics of sildenafil after a single oral dose of 50 mg is unchanged. In severe renal impairment (CKD ≤ 30 ml/min) sildenafil clearance is decreased, resulting in approximately twofold increase of AUC (100%) and Cmax (88%) compared to normal renal function in patients of the same age group.

Hepatic disorders

In patients with cirrhosis (Child-Pugh stages A and B), sildenafil clearance is decreased, resulting in increased AUC (84%) and Cmax (47%) compared to normal hepatic function in patients in the same age group. Pharmacokinetics of sildenafil in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh stage C) has not been studied.

Indications

Treatment of erectile dysfunction, characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse.

Sildenafil is effective only during sexual stimulation.

Pharmacological effect

Sildenafil is a powerful selective inhibitor of cGMP-specific PDE-5.

Mechanism of action

The physiological mechanism of erection is associated with the release of nitric oxide (NO) in the corpus cavernosum during sexual stimulation. This, in turn, leads to an increase in cGMP levels, subsequent relaxation of the smooth muscle tissue of the corpus cavernosum and increased blood flow.

Sildenafil does not have a direct relaxant effect on the isolated human corpus cavernosum, but enhances the effect of nitric oxide (NO) by inhibiting PDE5, which is responsible for the breakdown of cGMP.

Sildenafil is selective for PDE-5 in vitro, its activity against PDE-5 exceeds the activity against other known PDE isoenzymes: PDE-6 – 10 times; PDE-1 – more than 80 times; PDE-2, PDE-4, PDE-7 – PDE-11 – more than 700 times. Sildenafil is 4000 times more selective for PDE-5 compared to PDE-3, which is of utmost importance since PDE-3 is one of the key enzymes in the regulation of myocardial contractility.

A prerequisite for the effectiveness of sildenafil is sexual stimulation.

Clinical data

Cardiac research. The use of sildenafil in doses up to 100 mg did not lead to clinically significant ECG changes in healthy volunteers. The maximum decrease in SBP in the supine position after taking sildenafil at a dose of 100 mg was 8.3 mm Hg. Art., and dBP – 5.3 mm Hg. Art. A more pronounced, but also transient effect on blood pressure was observed in patients taking nitrates (see “Contraindications”, “Interaction”).

In a study of the hemodynamic effect of sildenafil at a single dose of 100 mg in 14 patients with severe coronary artery disease (more than 70% of patients had stenosis of at least one coronary artery), resting sBP and dBP decreased by 7 and 6%, respectively, and pulmonary sBP decreased by 9%. Sildenafil did not affect cardiac output or impair blood flow in stenotic coronary arteries, and also led to an increase (by approximately 13%) in adenosine-induced coronary flow in both stenotic and intact coronary arteries.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 144 patients with erectile dysfunction and stable angina taking antianginal drugs (except nitrates) exercised until their angina symptoms improved. The duration of the exercise was significantly longer (19.9 s; 0.9–38.9 s) in patients taking sildenafil in a single dose of 100 mg compared to patients receiving placebo.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the effect of varying the dose of sildenafil (up to 100 mg) in men (n=568) with erectile dysfunction and hypertension taking more than two antihypertensive medications. Sildenafil improved erections in 71% of men compared to 18% in the placebo group. The incidence of adverse effects was comparable to that in other patient groups, as well as in individuals taking more than three antihypertensive drugs.

Studies of visual impairments. In some patients, 1 hour after taking sildenafil at a dose of 100 mg, the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 test revealed a mild and transient impairment in the ability to distinguish shades of color (blue/green). 2 hours after taking the drug, these changes were absent. Color vision impairment is thought to be caused by inhibition of PDE6, which is involved in light transmission in the retina. Sildenafil had no effect on visual acuity, contrast perception, electroretinogram, IOP, or pupil diameter.

In a placebo-controlled crossover study of patients with proven early-onset macular degeneration (n=9), sildenafil in a single dose of 100 mg was well tolerated. There were no clinically significant changes in vision assessed by specific visual tests (visual acuity, Amsler grating, color perception, color transmission simulation, Humphrey perimeter and photostress).

Efficiency

The effectiveness and safety of sildenafil was assessed in 21 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies lasting up to 6 months in 3,000 patients aged 19 to 87 years with erectile dysfunction of various etiologies (organic, psychogenic or mixed). The effectiveness of the drug was assessed globally using an erection diary, the International Index of Erectile Function (a validated questionnaire about the state of sexual function) and a partner interview.

The effectiveness of sildenafil, defined as the ability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse, has been demonstrated in all studies conducted and confirmed in long-term studies lasting 1 year. In fixed-dose studies, the proportion of patients who reported that therapy improved their erections was 62% (25 mg sildenafil dose), 74% (50 mg sildenafil dose), and 82% (100 mg sildenafil dose) versus 25% in the placebo group). Analysis of the International Index of Erectile Function showed that in addition to improving erection, treatment with sildenafil also increased the quality of orgasm, achieved satisfaction from sexual intercourse and overall satisfaction.

According to the pooled data, among patients who reported improved erections with sildenafil treatment, 59% of patients with diabetes mellitus, 43% of patients who had undergone radical prostatectomy and 83% of patients with spinal cord injuries (versus 16, 15 and 12% in the placebo group, respectively) were included.

Pharmacokinetics:

The pharmacokinetics of sildenafil in the recommended dose range is linear.

Suction

After oral administration, sildenafil is rapidly absorbed. Absolute bioavailability averages about 40% (from 25% to 63%). In-vitro, sildenafil at a concentration of about 1.7 ng/ml (3.5 nM) inhibits human PDE5 activity by 50%. After a single dose of sildenafil 100 mg, the average maximum concentration of free sildenafil in blood plasma (Cmax) in men is about 18 ng/ml (38 nM). Cmax when taking sildenafil orally on an empty stomach is achieved on average within 60 minutes (from 30 minutes to 120 minutes). When taken in combination with fatty foods, the rate of absorption decreases: Cmax decreases by an average of 29%, and the time to reach maximum concentration (Tmax) increases by 60 minutes, but the degree of absorption does not significantly change (the area under the concentration-time pharmacokinetic curve (AUC) decreases by 11%).
Distribution
The volume of distribution of sildenafil at steady state averages 105 liters. The binding of sildenafil and its main circulating N-demethyl metabolite to plasma proteins is about 96% and does not depend on the total concentration of the drug. Less than 0.0002% of the sildenafil dose (average 188 ng) was found in semen 90 minutes after dosing.

Metabolism

Sildenafil is metabolized mainly in the liver under the influence of the cytochrome CYP3A4 isoenzyme (major pathway) and the cytochrome CYP2C9 isoenzyme (minor pathway). The main circulating active metabolite, resulting from N-demethylation of sildenafil, undergoes further metabolism. The selectivity of this metabolite for PDE is comparable to that of sildenafil, and its activity against PDE5 in vitro is about 50% of the activity of sildenafil.

The concentration of the metabolite in the blood plasma of healthy volunteers was about 40% of the concentration of sildenafil. The N-demethyl metabolite undergoes further metabolism; its half-life (T1/2) is about 4 hours.

Removal

The total clearance of sildenafil is 41 l/hour, and the final T1/2 is 3-5 hours. After oral administration, as after intravenous administration, sildenafil is excreted in the form of metabolites, mainly by the intestines (about 80% of the oral dose) and, to a lesser extent, by the kidneys (about 13% of the oral dose).

Pharmacokinetics in special groups of patients

Elderly patients

In healthy elderly patients (over 65 years of age), the clearance of sildenafil is reduced, and the concentration of free sildenafil in the blood plasma is approximately 40% higher than in young patients (18-45 years of age). Age does not have a clinically significant effect on the incidence of side effects.

Renal dysfunction

With mild (creatinine clearance (CL) 50-80 ml/min) and moderate (CL 30-49 ml/min) degrees of renal failure, the pharmacokinetics of sildenafil after a single oral dose of 50 mg does not change. In severe renal failure (creatinine clearance ≤ 30 ml/min), the clearance of sildenafil is reduced, which leads to an approximately twofold increase in AUC (100%) and Cmax (88%) compared to those with normal renal function in patients of the same age group.

Liver dysfunction

In patients with liver cirrhosis (stages A and B according to the Child-Pugh classification), the clearance of sildenafil is reduced, which leads to an increase in AUC (84%) and Cmax (47%) compared to those with normal liver function in patients of the same age group. The pharmacokinetics of sildenafil in patients with severe liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh stage C) has not been studied.

Special instructions

To diagnose erectile dysfunction, determine its possible causes and select adequate treatment, it is necessary to obtain a complete medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination. Treatments for erectile dysfunction should be used with caution in patients with anatomical deformation of the penis (angulation, cavernous fibrosis, Peyronie’s disease), or in patients with risk factors for priapism (sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, leukemia) (see section “Caution”).

Medicines intended to treat erectile dysfunction should not be prescribed to men for whom sexual activity is undesirable.

Sexual activity poses a certain risk in the presence of heart disease, so before starting any therapy for erectile dysfunction, the doctor should refer the patient for an examination of the condition of the cardiovascular system. Sexual activity is undesirable in patients with heart failure, unstable angina, myocardial infarction or stroke in the last 6 months, life-threatening arrhythmias, arterial hypertension (BP > 170/100 mm Hg) or hypotension (BP < 90/50 mm Hg) (see section "Precautions"). Clinical studies have shown no difference in the incidence of myocardial infarction (1.1 per 100 people per year) or the incidence of death from cardiovascular diseases (0.3 per 100 people per year) in patients receiving Sildenafil compared with patients receiving placebo.

Cardiovascular complications

During post-marketing use of sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, adverse events such as serious cardiovascular events (including myocardial infarction, unstable angina, sudden cardiac death, ventricular arrhythmia, hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, hypertension and hypotension) were reported, which were temporarily associated with the use of sildenafil. Most of these patients, but not all of them, had risk factors for cardiovascular complications. Many of these adverse events occurred shortly after sexual activity, and some of them occurred after taking sildenafil without subsequent sexual activity. It is not possible to establish a direct connection between the observed adverse events and these or other factors.

Hypotension

Sildenafil has a systemic vasodilating effect, leading to a transient decrease in blood pressure, which is not a clinically significant phenomenon and does not lead to any consequences in most patients. However, before prescribing Sildenafil, the physician should carefully assess the risk of possible undesirable manifestations of the vasodilating effect in patients with relevant diseases, especially against the background of sexual activity. Increased susceptibility to vasodilators is observed in patients with obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract (aortic stenosis, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy), as well as with the rare syndrome of multiple system atrophy, manifested by severe dysregulation of blood pressure from the autonomic nervous system.
Since the combined use of sildenafil and α-blockers can lead to symptomatic hypotension in some sensitive patients, Sildenafil should be administered with caution to patients taking α-blockers (see section “Interaction with other drugs”). To minimize the risk of developing postural hypotension in patients taking α-blockers, Sildenafil should be started only after hemodynamic stability has been achieved in these patients. You should also consider the advisability of reducing the initial dose of Sildenafil (see section “Dosage and Administration”). The physician should inform patients about what actions to take if symptoms of postural hypotension occur.

Visual impairment

Rare cases of anterior non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy as a cause of deterioration or loss of vision have been reported with the use of all PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil. Most of these patients had risk factors such as optic disc excavation, age over 50 years, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia, and smoking. A cause-and-effect relationship between the use of PDE5 inhibitors and the development of anterior non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy has not been identified. The physician should inform the patient about the increased risk of developing anterior non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy if this condition has already been noted. In case of sudden loss of vision, patients should receive the necessary medical attention immediately. A small number of patients with hereditary retinitis pigmentosa have genetically determined dysfunction of retinal phosphodiesterases. There is no information on the safety of using Sildenafil in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, so sildenafil should be used with caution (see section “With caution”).

Hearing impairment

Some post-marketing and clinical studies have reported cases of sudden deterioration or loss of hearing associated with the use of all PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil. Most of these patients had risk factors for sudden deterioration or loss of hearing. A cause-and-effect relationship between the use of PDE5 inhibitors and sudden hearing loss or deterioration has not been established. If there is a sudden deterioration in hearing or hearing loss while taking sildenafil, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Bleeding

Sildenafil enhances the antiplatelet effect of sodium nitroprusside, a nitric oxide donor, on human platelets in vitro. There are no data on the safety of sildenafil in patients with a tendency to bleeding or exacerbation of gastric and duodenal ulcers, so Sildenafil should be used with caution in these patients (see section “With caution”). The incidence of epistaxis in patients with PH associated with diffuse connective tissue diseases was higher (sildenafil 12.9%, placebo 0%) than in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (sildenafil 3.0%, placebo 2.4%). Patients receiving sildenafil in combination with a vitamin K antagonist had a higher incidence of epistaxis (8.8%) than patients not taking a vitamin K antagonist (1.7%).

Use in conjunction with other means of treating erectile dysfunction.

The safety and effectiveness of Sildenafil in combination with other drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction have not been studied, therefore the use of such combinations is not recommended (see section “Contraindications”).

Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery

While taking sildenafil, no negative effects on the ability to drive a car or use other technical equipment were observed.

However, since taking sildenafil may reduce blood pressure, develop chromatopsia, blurred vision, etc. side effects, you should carefully consider the individual effect of the drug in these situations, especially at the beginning of treatment and when changing the dosage regimen.

Active ingredient

Sildenafil

Composition

active substance:
sildenafil citrate in terms of sildenafil – 50 mg;
excipients (core):
microcrystalline cellulose – 54.0 mg;
lactose monohydrate (milk sugar) – 74.0 mg;
croscarmellose sodium (primellose) – 10.0 mg;
povidone (medium molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone) – 10.0 mg;
magnesium stearate – 2.0 mg;
excipients (shell):
Opadry II (polyvinyl alcohol, partially hydrolyzed – 2.4 mg; titanium dioxide E 171 – 1.374 mg; macrogol (polyethylene glycol 3350) – 1.212 mg; talc – 0.888 mg; aluminum varnish based on brilliant blue – 0.1152 mg; iron oxide (II) yellow E 172 – 0.0102 mg; iron oxide (II) black E 172 – 0.0006 mg).

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any other component of the drug
Use in patients receiving continuous or intermittent nitric oxide donors, organic nitrates or nitrites in any form, since sildenafil enhances the hypotensive effect of nitrates (see section “Interaction with other drugs”)
The safety and effectiveness of Sildenafil when used in combination with other drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction have not been studied, therefore the use of such combinations is not recommended (see section “Special instructions”)
According to its registered indication, Sildenafil is not intended for use in children under 18 years of age.
According to its registered indication, Sildenafil is not intended for use in women.
Lactase deficiency, lactose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption.
Concomitant use of sildenafil with ritonavir is not recommended.

With caution:

Anatomical deformation of the penis (angulation, cavernous fibrosis or Peyronie’s disease) (see section “Special instructions”).
Diseases predisposing to the development of priapism (sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, leukemia, thrombocythemia)
(see section “Special instructions”).
Diseases accompanied by bleeding.
Exacerbation of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.
Hereditary retinitis pigmentosa (see section “Special instructions”).
Heart failure, unstable angina, myocardial infarction, stroke or life-threatening arrhythmias in the last 6 months, arterial hypertension (BP > 170/100 mm Hg) or hypotension (BP < 90/50 mm Hg) (see section "Special instructions"). In patients with episodes of anterior non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (history).

Side Effects

Typically, the side effects of Sildenafil are mild or moderate and transient.

Fixed-dose studies have shown that the incidence of some adverse events increases with increasing dose.

When using the drug Sildenafil in doses exceeding the recommended ones, adverse events were similar to those noted above, but usually occurred more often.

General condition disorders: facial swelling, photosensitivity reactions, shock, asthenia, pain, chills, abdominal pain, chest pain.

Allergic reactions: hypersensitivity reactions (including skin rash), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell’s syndrome).

Disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system: drowsiness, insomnia, hypoesthesia, paresthesia, ataxia, neuralgia, neuropathy, tremor, depression, unusual dreams, decreased reflexes, stroke, transient ischemic attack, convulsions, incl. recurrent.

Cardiovascular system disorders: tachycardia, increased or decreased blood pressure, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmia, unstable angina, AV block, cerebral thrombosis, heart failure, ECG abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, sudden death, syncope.

Respiratory disorders: nosebleeds, asthma, shortness of breath, laryngitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, increased sputum production, increased cough.

Gastrointestinal disorders: vomiting, nausea, dry oral mucosa, glossitis, colitis, dysphagia, gastritis, gastroenteritis, esophagitis, stomatitis, rectal bleeding, gingivitis.

Visual disorders: eye pain, eye redness/scleral injections, conjunctival damage, lacrimation disorders, anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, retinal vascular occlusion, visual field defects, mydriasis, cataracts, eye pain.

Hearing disorders: vertigo, tinnitus, ear pain, deafness.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders: anemia, leukopenia.

Metabolic and nutritional disorders: thirst, gout, unstable diabetes, hyperglycemia, peripheral edema, hyperuricemia, hypoglycemic reaction, hypernatremia.

Musculoskeletal disorders: arthritis, arthrosis, myalgia, tendon rupture, tendovaginitis, bone pain, myasthenia gravis, synovitis.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: urticaria, herpes simplex, itching, sweating, skin ulcers, contact dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis.

Disorders of the genitourinary system: cystitis, nocturia, frequent urination, gynecomastia, urinary incontinence, ejaculation disorders, genital swelling, anorgasmia.

Reproductive system disorders: prolonged erection and/or priapism.

Interaction

The influence of other drugs on the pharmacokinetics of sildenafil

The metabolism of sildenafil occurs mainly under the influence of the cytochrome CYP3A4 (main pathway) and CYP2C9 isoenzymes, therefore inhibitors of these isoenzymes can reduce the clearance of sildenafil, and inducers, accordingly, increase the clearance of sildenafil. A decrease in the clearance of sildenafil was noted with the simultaneous use of inhibitors of the cytochrome CYP3A4 isoenzyme (ketoconazole, erythromycin, cimetidine). Cimetidine (800 mg), a nonspecific inhibitor of the cytochrome CYP3A4 isoenzyme, when taken together with sildenafil (50 mg), causes an increase in plasma sildenafil concentrations by 56%. A single dose of 100 mg of sildenafil together with erythromycin (500 mg/day 2 times a day for 5 days), a specific inhibitor of the cytochrome CYP3A4 isoenzyme, against the background of achieving a constant concentration of erythromycin in the blood, leads to an increase in the AUC of sildenafil by 182%.

When co-administered with sildenafil (100 mg once) and saquinavir (1200 mg/day 3 times a day), an inhibitor of HIV protease and cytochrome CYP3A4 isoenzyme, while achieving a constant concentration of saquinavir in the blood, the Cmax of sildenafil increased by 140%, and the AUC increased by 210%. Sildenafil has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of saquinavir.

Stronger inhibitors of the cytochrome CYP3A4 isoenzyme, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole, may cause more severe changes in the pharmacokinetics of sildenafil.

The simultaneous use of sildenafil (100 mg once) and ritonavir (500 mg 2 times a day), an HIV protease inhibitor and a strong cytochrome P450 inhibitor, while achieving a constant concentration of ritonavir in the blood leads to an increase in sildenafil Cmax by 300% (4 times), and AUC by 1000% (11 times). After 24 hours, the concentration of sildenafil in the blood plasma is about 200 ng/ml (after a single dose of sildenafil alone – 5 ng/ml), which is consistent with information about the pronounced effect of ritonavir on the pharmacokinetics of various cytochrome P450 substrates. Sildenafil has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of ritonavir. The combined use of sildenafil with ritonavir is not recommended.

If sildenafil is taken in recommended doses by patients simultaneously receiving strong inhibitors of the cytochrome CYP3A4 isoenzyme, then the Cmax of free sildenafil does not exceed 200 nM, and the drug is well tolerated.

A single dose of antacid (magnesium hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide) does not affect the bioavailability of sildenafil.
Inhibitors of the cytochrome CYP2C9 isoenzyme (tolbutamide, warfarin), the cytochrome CYP2D6 isoenzyme (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants), thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics, ACE inhibitors and calcium antagonists do not affect the pharmacokinetics of sildenafil.

Azithromycin (500 mg/day for 3 days) has no effect on the AUC, Cmax, Tmax, elimination rate constant and T1/2 of sildenafil or its main circulating metabolite.

Effect of sildenafil on other drugs

Sildenafil is a weak inhibitor of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes – 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1 and 3A4 (IC50>150 µmol). When sildenafil is taken at recommended doses, its Cmax is approximately 1 µmol, so it is unlikely that sildenafil could affect the clearance of substrates of these isoenzymes.

Sildenafil enhances the hypotensive effect of nitrates both with long-term use of the latter and when they are prescribed for acute indications. In this regard, the use of sildenafil in combination with nitrates or nitric oxide donors is contraindicated.

When taking the α-blocker doxazosin (4 mg and 8 mg) and sildenafil (25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg) simultaneously in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia with stable hemodynamics, the average additional decrease in systolic/diastolic blood pressure in the supine position was 7/7 mm Hg. art., 9/5 mm Hg. and 8/4 mm Hg, respectively, and in a standing position – 6/6 mm Hg, 11/4 mm Hg. and 4/5 mmHg, respectively. Rare cases of symptomatic postural hypotension, manifested in the form of dizziness (without fainting), have been reported in such patients. In selected sensitive patients receiving α-blockers, concomitant use of sildenafil may lead to symptomatic hypotension.

There were no signs of significant interaction with tolbutamide (250 mg) or warfarin (40 mg), which are metabolized by the cytochrome CYP2C9 isoenzyme.

Sildenafil (100 mg) does not affect the pharmacokinetics of HIV protease inhibitors, saquinavir and ritonavir, which are substrates of the cytochrome CYP3A4 isoenzyme, at their constant blood levels.

Sildenafil (50 mg) does not cause an additional increase in bleeding time when taking acetylsalicylic acid (150 mg).
Sildenafil (50 mg) does not enhance the hypotensive effect of alcohol in healthy volunteers with a maximum blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% (80 mg/dL) on average.

In patients with arterial hypertension, no signs of interaction between sildenafil (100 mg) and amlodipine were detected. The average additional decrease in blood pressure in the supine position is 8 mm Hg. (systolic) and 7 mm Hg. (diastolic).

The use of sildenafil in combination with antihypertensive drugs does not lead to additional side effects.

Overdose

With a single dose of Sildenafil in doses up to 800 mg, adverse events were comparable to those when taking the drug in lower doses, but were more common.

Treatment is symptomatic. Hemodialysis does not accelerate the clearance of sildenafil, since the latter actively binds to plasma proteins and is not excreted by the kidneys.

Manufacturer

North Star NAO, Russia